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How information about race-based health disparities affects policy preferences: Evidence from a survey experiment about the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

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  • Harell, Allison
  • Lieberman, Evan

Abstract

In this article, we report on the results of an experimental study to estimate the effects of delivering information about racial disparities in COVID-19-related death rates. On the one hand, we find that such information led to increased perception of risk among those Black respondents who lacked prior knowledge; and to increased support for a more concerted public health response among those White respondents who expressed favorable views towards Blacks at baseline. On the other hand, for Whites with colder views towards Blacks, the informational treatment had the opposite effect: it led to decreased risk perception and to lower levels of support for an aggressive response. Our findings highlight that well-intentioned public health campaigns spotlighting disparities might have adverse side effects and those ought to be considered as part of a broader strategy. The study contributes to a larger scholarly literature on the challenges of making and implementing social policy in racially-divided societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Harell, Allison & Lieberman, Evan, 2021. "How information about race-based health disparities affects policy preferences: Evidence from a survey experiment about the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:277:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621002161
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113884
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jonathon P. Schuldt & Adam R. Pearson & Neil A. Lewis jr. & Ashley Jardina & Peter K. Enns, 2022. "Inequality and Misperceptions of Group Concerns Threaten the Integrity and Societal Impact of Science," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 700(1), pages 195-207, March.
    2. Gollust, Sarah E. & Haselswerdt, Jake, 2023. "Who does COVID-19 hurt most? Perceptions of unequal impact and political implications," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    3. Hailey, Chantal A. & Murray, Brittany & Boggs, Rachel & Broussard, Jalisa & Flores, Milani, 2023. "Unmasking racial avoidance: Experimental evidence on parental school choice and public health policies during the Covid-19 pandemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).
    4. Skinner-Dorkenoo, Allison L. & Sarmal, Apoorva & Rogbeer, Kasheena G. & André, Chloe J. & Patel, Bhumi & Cha, Leah, 2022. "Highlighting COVID-19 racial disparities can reduce support for safety precautions among White U.S. residents," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).

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